Recent content by philk

Thanks for confirming that Raul. I am now minded to do an analysis from an inertial frame to see if the path of the bob confirms this. If I succeed I will post the details here!

yes that would be pretty much the same except that the pendulum would have to be started by hand (or it just sits there motionless). However my question refers to a pendulum in motion and the subsequent motion; this could not be simulated in an orbiting station because simple pendula don't exist...

Thanks Yes this is how I arrived at my conclusion. I am using a 'weightless paradigm' inside the free falling lift. If the bob is at a point of maximum displacement then T = W cos α, since v=0 so centripetal acceleration is 0. In free fall I am assuming it is correct to take the view that W=0...

Homework Statement This is a 'random discussion' that I had today with a student; it is not out of a textbook, nor does the solution carry any weight at all (pls excuse pun).[/B] A simple pendulum is happily swinging back and forth attached to a pin in the wall of the lift, where the pin is...